Ray Morgon, the leader of Havering Council, is standing by his group’s minority administration despite facing financial challenges. The Havering Residents Association (HRA), which Morgon leads, is the only residents’ association in control of a London borough. They prioritize the needs of residents over national party politics, which Morgon believes gives them more freedom to make decisions.
The council started the year with a significant budget deficit of £32.5 million. To address this, they have considered controversial measures such as closing libraries and selling car parks to housing developers. Morgon expressed that being tied to a national party can limit a council’s ability to act independently, as seen with the previous Conservative leader who could not criticize the government due to party affiliations.
The HRA split from a coalition with the Labour group to form a minority administration, currently only two members away from a majority. Despite having the numbers to win votes, they face criticism from the Labour party, particularly regarding environmental issues and proposed library closures. Morgon welcomes this scrutiny, stating that it is essential for accountability and transparency.
The HRA prides itself on being politically independent, allowing them to prioritize residents’ views without being bound by national party agendas. Morgon, who has been a councillor since 2002, emphasized that their allegiance is solely to the residents they serve. He noted that they do not align with any specific political ideology but focus on representing the interests of the community.
Despite facing opposition from various groups within the council, including the Labour party, Morgon remains committed to maintaining open and honest discussions. He believes that constructive criticism is necessary for growth and improvement. The HRA’s decision to operate independently has raised questions, especially in challenging financial times, but Morgon is confident in their ability to navigate these difficulties.
In conclusion, Ray Morgon advocates for local governance that prioritizes residents’ needs and operates free from national party constraints. The HRA’s commitment to transparency and accountability sets them apart in a political landscape often dominated by party politics. While they face challenges and opposition, Morgon’s leadership underscores the importance of putting the community first in decision-making processes.